GRFD rescues boater from river

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A boater on the Grand River got stuck on the dam near downtown Grand Rapids Sunday morning.

Police say the 32-year-old from Wyoming launched his inflatable kayak from Fish Ladder Park sometime before 9 a.m. He started taking on water and got hung up on the first dam near the U.S. Postal Service’s downtown office.

The Grand Rapids Fire Department Water Rescue Team responded. Crews tossed the man a line and pulled him from his boat into theirs.

He was cold and shaken up, but otherwise OK.

After rescuing the man, crews went back on the river and recovered the inflatable boat.

Police say it’s best to use caution when the river is high.

“The river is a little high because of all the recent rain we had. The dams and boils are a little more substantial, and if you’re not prepared for it, ready and experienced, you might find yourself in some trouble,” Grand Rapids Police Department Sgt. Steve LaBrecque.